Cellular phone line replacement adapter

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for automated processing and routing of data messages or packets, via a cellular network, from analog or digital data devices where said routing is accomplished without the need for call origination on the cellular network. The present invention may consist of (i) a fixed cellular communication device; (ii) a fixed wireless RF communication device; and (iii) a mobile wireless RF transceiver. The fixed communication device provides a means for formatting and transmission of data packets received from data devices directly connected to the fixed communication device or the communication device may receive signals from the wireless RF communication device or mobile wireless RF transceiver.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/726,046 filed on Oct. 12, 2005.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a fixed cellular communication device for transmitting data over a cellular communications network.

2. Description of Related Art

Traditionally analog data devices such as security panels, alarm panels, satellite set top boxes (STB), point of sale terminals (POS), credit card machines, remote data devices, telemetry devices, etc, use Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS) lines for communication. However, with the widespread proliferation of cellular service many of these POTS lines are being displaced by cellular services. In other cases, POTS line availability is non-existent. The signaling method used by these data devices is typically accomplished using an analog modern, which utilizes frequency shift-keyed (FSK) or dual tone multi-frequency (DTMF) tones at a low baud rate. In addition, the originating data device's modem requires an answering modem at the end (called) communication point, which provides FSK tones for at least: handshaking, message termination, cyclic redundancy checks, etc. Data devices by nature send messages that are typically short in length and require a return message from the answering or destination point. Furthermore, a dial-tone and loop voltage must be provided by the device to simulate a POTS line interface, which is typically required by the data device. Due to the interface requirements of the modem in the data device direct connection to a cellular device is impossible due to the requirement of a dial-tone and a loop current which cannot be provided by the cellular device. In addition a cellular device in the form of a fixed wireless terminal (FWT) or fixed wireless cellular terminal (FCT) require set-up command strings to set them in the correct cellular transmission mode. While interfaces have been devised to overcome these interface issues, the cellular device must still originate a call on the network, thereby invoking traditional voice rates from the serving cellular carrier.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for automated processing and routing of data messages or packets, via the cellular network, from analog or digital data devices. The present invention consists of (i) a fixed cellular communication device, (ii) a fixed wireless RF communication device; and (iii) a mobile wireless RF transceiver.

The fixed cellular communication device (dongle) consists of 9 or more elements such as, but not limited to: a cellular transceiver; power supply, analog modem; wireless RF bi-directional communication transceiver; subscriber line interface; Ethernet port; tone generator; loop power supply; GPS receiver (optional); and microcontroller with memory.

The fixed communication device may have multiple configurations and may utilize any cellular communication network including, but not limited to, Advanced Mobil Phone Service/Code Division Access (AMPS/CDMA), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) and WiMAX. Integral to the cellular communication device will be a wireless RF transceiver which will provide a secure, point to point to multi-point, short range communications link. If needed, the integral RF communication link may utilize at least the following, wireless access methods, i.e., Bluetooth Zigbee, WiFi, WiMAX, FHSS, DSSS, FM, FSK, AM, UWB or other wireless access methods. The RF communication link may be used for, but not limited to, transmitting and receiving signals from another fixed remote Wireless RF communication device connected to a data device, which may include at least the following a satellite set top box; a security panel; an alarm panel; a telemetry device; a SCADA device; Point of Sale (POS) terminal; a credit card machine; or a vending machine. The RF communication link may also be used to send and receive data from a mobile or nomadic wireless RF transceiver.

A fixed cellular communication device connected to a data device's RJ-11 modem communication jack recognizes when the attached data device attempts to communicate to another device or location. In addition, the communication device may utilize as a secondary means of communication, a serial data port for communication to the data device. Upon the initiation of communication by the data device, the communication device will process the data and forward it as a series of formatted circuit switched or packet switched data packet(s) via a cellular network, to a central processing system without the need for a voice call origination on the cellular network. The central processing system will re-format the message into the original form sent by the data device. This information or message can then be disseminated by the central processing system to other points or systems. In addition the device can receive messages from the central processing system via the cellular network. The received message is re-formatted by the device into the original message and sent to the data device which originated the message to the central point. The communication device may also utilize a bi-directional, wireless RF link to communicate with other wireless RF communication devices that are within range, which is connected to a remote data device addition, the communication device can provide a high speed, bi-directional TCP/IP data link via the cellular network, as yet a third means of communication with a data device.

Furthermore, the wireless RF link capability of the device can be used to communicate with a mobilize wireless RF device for the purpose of sending and receiving unique data or information to and from the mobile device. Data from the mobile device can be sent over the cellular network to the central processing point via either the fixed cellular communication device or a fixed wireless RF communication device acting as a repeater to the device.

In accordance with these and other objects which will become apparent hereinafter, the instant invention will now be described with particular reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a fixed cellular communication device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective rear view of the fixed cellular communication device according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of the components of the fixed cellular communication device according, to the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of the components of a wireless RF communication device according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows a block diagram of a wireless RF transceiver.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a fixed cellular communication device according to the present invention. As visible from the view of FIG. 1, the cellular communication device is adapted in a physical form of an AC wall adapter which includes a phone jack and Ethernet jack.

FIG. 2 provides a rear view of the cellular communication device which essentially shows the AC plug. The user nay connect the cellular communication device 10 into any AC outlet available. Once the cellular communication device 10 is connected and supplied with powers the user may use the various functions that are associated with the cellular communication device such as transmission of data over a cellular network including modem transmissions, and GPS data transmissions. The cellular communication device 10 enables the user to use a mobile wireless RF transceiver or a fixed wireless RF communication device for transmission of data via the cellular communication network. One advantageous feature of the cellular communication device 10 includes its ability to transmit data in formatted packets via the cellular network without the need for call origination.

FIG. 3 shows an overview block diagram of the cellular communication device according to the present invention. The components within the cellular communication device 20 include Ethernet transceiver 29, line interface circuitry (phone jack) 28 connected to a modem 27 and a serial data port 26. Ethernet jack 29, phone jack 28 and serial port 26 provide hardware connections for various communication devices which may transmit and receive voice/data through the cellular communication device 20. The phone jack 28 may provide a dial tone and loop voltage in order to simulate a POTS line. Accordingly, the phone jack 28 may be used to transmit voice signals and data signals through the internal modem 27. The Ethernet jack 29 includes provisions for 10 Base T, CAT-5 bi-directional data which supports data services via a cellular network.

Other components shown in the block diagram of FIG. 3 include: cellular transceiver 25 and antenna 25 a; GPS receiver 24 and antenna 24 a; and secondary RF transceiver 23 and antenna 23 a. The secondary RF transceiver 23 provides a non-cellular communication link for point to point or point to multi-point communications with either fixed or mobile devices. The secondary RF transceiver 23 also utilizes received signal strength (RSSI) to determine the distance from a mobile device. Furthermore, the secondary RF transceiver provides a non-cellular communication link for the purpose of sending and receiving data initiated from another fixed or mobile device. The GPS receiver 24 assists in the transmission of position or location data over the cellular network. The cellular transceiver 25 advantageously allows for the sending and receiving of data in the form of short data packets over a cellular network. The transmission of these packets of either voice or data information may be sent without the need for call origination on the cellular network.

The cellular communication device 20 also includes a switch mode power supply 21 which receives power through the AC input 16, 120 VAC 60 Hz, and distributes voltage in three different modes as shown, 5 VDC, 3.3 VDC and 48 VDC. A micro-controller 22 controls the various components shot in the block diagram of the fixed cellular communication device 20. Input and output functions are shown for the Ethernet jack 29, modern data input 27, cellular transceiver 25, GPS receiver 24 and a secondary RF transceiver 23. Control functions are also shown for those devices and the power supply 21.

FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of a wireless RF communication device 30. As noted, the wireless RF communication device 30 includes essentially all the components as depicted in the fixed cellular communication device excluding a cellular transceiver. Accordingly the wireless RF communication device 30 includes a micro-controller 32; a secondary RF transceiver 33 and antenna 33 a a GPS receiver 34 and antenna 34 a; a serial port 36; a RJ 11 phone jack 38 connected to an internal modem 37 an Ethernet transceiver 39, and a switch mode power supply 31. The wireless RF communication device 30 may transmit data via the secondary RF transceiver 33 to the fixed cellular communication device 20 via the secondary RF transceiver 2. The Ethernet jack 39, phone jack 38, and serial data port 36 provide a means for hardware to be connected to the wireless RF communication device 30. Wireless communications may be transmitted via the secondary RF transceiver 33 and GPS receiver 34.

FIG. 5 shows a block diagram of a mobile wireless RF transceiver 50 which includes a micro-controller 52 a RF transceiver modular 51, a battery 54 and antenna 51 a. The mobile wireless RF transceiver 50 may easily, access a cellular network via the fixed cellular communication device 20 by transmitting, RF signals via the secondary REF transceiver 23. With the wireless RF transceiver 50, a user may access a cellular network via the fixed cellular communication device 20 as opposed to transmitting voice or data via a cellular base station. Also, the mobile wireless RF transceiver 50 may advantageously transmit through the wireless RF communication device 30 where data is relayed to the cellular communication device 20. The mobile wireless RF transceiver 50 includes a received signal strength measurement capability for the purpose of measuring distance between a fixed wireless RF communication device 30 or the fixed cellular communication device 20.

FIG. 6 shows a system overview according to the present invention. As shown in the system overview, the fixed cellular communication device 20 transmits signals to a cell tower 60 in order to access to a cellular communication network. Shown and connected to the cellular communication device 20 are a data device 43 and an analog data device 45 where the analog data device 45 is connected to the phone jack 28 and the data device 43 is connected the Ethernet jack 29. Communications between the wireless RF communication device 30 and the cellular communication device 20 are achieved through antenna 33 a and antenna 23 a. The cellular communication device 20 accesses the cellular communication network through the cell tower 60. Signals are transmitted from the cellular communication device 20 through antenna 25 a to cell tower 60. Signals from wireless RF communication device 30 or wireless RF mobile device 50 may be formatted and reformatted for subsequent transmission in the form of short data packets via the cellular communication network. The system enables the cellular communication device 20 to translate data messages from one format to another. Furthermore, the cellular communication device 20 may be polled or queried via the cellular communication network. The cellular communication device 20 may include a link mobile identification number (MIN) and an electronic serial number (ESN) or an international mobile equipment identifier (IMEI). These identifying identifiers may be transmitted via the cellular communication network. Furthermore, the cellular communication device 20 may be accessed and programmed via the cellular communication network.

The instant invention has been shown and described herein in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment. It is recognized, however that departures may be made therefrom within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the ant. 

1. A communication device for sending and receiving data via a cellular network comprising: a. a cellular transceiver, where said cellular transceiver transmits data to and from a cellular network via short data packets and said data transmissions take place without initiating a call on the cellular network; b. a secondary RF transceiver, where said secondary RF transceiver transmits signals to and from a wireless RF communication device; and c. a microcontroller, where said microcontroller includes a memory storage means and controls the functionality of each component with the communication device and the transmission of data through the communication device; and d. a power supply which supplies power to each component of said communication device.
 2. The communication device according to claim 1, further comprising a. a data device connected to said wireless RF communication device where said RF communication device transmit data received from the data device.
 3. The communication device according to claim 2, where said communication device utilizes a secondary means of communication to the data device.
 4. The communication device according to claim 3, wherein said secondary means includes a serial data port.
 5. The communication device according to claim 1, further comprising a. a GPS receiver, where said GPS receiver provides positional data transmissions over the cellular network.
 6. The communication device according to claim 1, further comprising: a. an Ethernet connection where said Ethernet connection provides a means for connecting a data device to the communication device and b. a RJ-11 phone line connection, where said phone line connection provides a means to connect an analog device to said communication device.
 7. The communication device according to claim 6, further comprising a modem connected to the phone line connection.
 8. The communication device according to claim 1, where said microcontroller further comprises a means residing in the memory storage means to format data transmitted via the cellular network.
 9. The communication device according to claim 1, where said secondary RF transceiver includes a 802.11.a/b/g transceiver.
 10. A system for sending and receiving data via a cellular network comprising: a. a fixed communication device, where said fixed communication device includes a cellular transceiver, a secondary RF transceiver, a phone line connection, a Ethernet connection, a microcontroller and a power supply, where said cellular transceiver transmits data between the fixed communication device and a cellular network, said phone line connection and Ethernet connection providing means for connection of data devices and said microcontroller providing a means for controlling data transmissions between the communication device and the cellular network; b. an analog data device, where said analog data device is connected to the fixed communication device via the phone line connection, where said communication device transmits data to and from the analog device via the cellular network without initiating a call on the cellular network; and c. a data device, where said is connected to the fixed communication device via the Ethernet connection, where said communication device transmits data to and from the data device via the cellular network without initiating a call on the cellular network.
 11. The system according to claim 10, further comprising: a. a wireless RF communication device, where said wireless RF communication device transmits and receives data over the cellular network via the fixed communication device, where said wireless RF communication device includes a secondary RF transceiver, a phone line connection, a Ethernet connection, a microcontroller and a power supply, where said secondary RF transceiver transmits data between the fixed communication device and the wireless RF communication device, said phone line connection and Ethernet connection providing means for connection of data devices and said microcontroller providing a means for controlling data transmissions between the fixed communication device and the wireless RF communication device; and b. a second analog data device, where said second analog data device transmits and receives data via the wireless RF communication device for transmission over the cellular network.
 12. The system according to claim 10, further comprising: a. a mobile wireless RF transceiver which includes a RF transceiver a microcontroller and a power supply, where said mobile wireless RF transceiver transmits and receives data via the fixed communication device over the cellular network.
 13. The system according to claim 10, where said secondary RF transceiver includes a 802.11.a/b/g transceiver.
 14. A method for sending and receiving data via a cellular network comprising the steps of: a. receiving data from at least one of an analog data device and a data device via a fixed communication device; b. formatting the received data for transmission over a cellular network; c. transmitting the formatted data over the cellular network via the fixed communication device without initiating a call on the cellular network; d. receiving data from the cellular network via the fixed communication device: e. formatting the data received from the cellular network; and f. transmitting the formatted data from the cellular network to the at least one of the analog data device and the data device.
 15. The method according to claim 14 further comprising the steps of: a. transmitting data to the fixed communication device from a wireless RF communication device; b. formatting the data received from the wireless RF communication device; c. transmitting the data received from the wireless REF communication device over the cellular network via the fixed communication device; d. receiving data from the cellular network via the fixed communication device; e. formatting the data from the cellular network via the fixed communication device; and f. transmitting the data from the cellular network to the wireless RF communication device.
 16. The method according to claim 14, further comprising the steps of: a. transmitting data to the fixed communication device from a mobile wireless RF communication device; b. formatting the data received from the mobile wireless RF communication device; c. transmitting the data received from the mobile wireless RF communication device over the cellular network via the fixed communication device, d. receiving data from the cellular network via the fixed communication devices e. formatting the data from the cellular network via the fixed communication device; and f. transmitting the data from the cellular network to the mobile wireless RF communication device. 